Sarah's email August 30th

Dear Family,

HOORAY! Welcome Isabelle Julie Dixon!! I can't wait to give you a big juicy Auntie kiss! (Speaking of which, You can't say aunt like 'ant' here, or else you will get funny looks.You have to say 'aaahhhnt'.)

Congratulations Tom and Kristy, you have made another beautiful baby. And it's a GIRL!!! Even Better! (I may be partial ) I can't tell from the pictures, does she have red hair? She is soooo beautiful!

I hope everyone is feeling better! I think stomach flu are the worst. I prayed for you though, so I hope that helped.

So you all heard about my Princess Bride escapade...I left it out of the letter because I felt very unmissionary afterward-- please don't judge me.

Things here are going really well. Yesterday at church Sister Jenkins and I saw a girl wandering around the halls before things started. We stopped her and talked to her. Her name is Regina and she had had a Mormon friend in North Carolina who had taken her to church, and she wanted to go again, but didn't know when the time was, so she showed up early so she wouldn't miss it. so we set up an appointment with her . THANK YOU FOR YOUR PRAYERS!!!! It really does work! All of your support and love is helping so much!!! I feel so much love for all the people here. They are so great! I'm so happy I just want to give everyone a big hug! But then they'd all probably call the police on me.

A few days ago we met with one of the recent converts in the area, Jonas. We were helping him answer some questions he had about Isaiah . But he told us he had an epiphany while he was reading. He said he realized that since God is Love, that when we say 'I love you' it means we are recognizing God's light in you, that we can see Christlike attributes in you, and that we esteem you as a person who is close to God. Jonas is a amazing person. I don't know is I had ever thought of it that way before. I think I can truly say that I love you all.

The members here are so great. We get fed a lot. The sister missionaries aren't allowed to proselyte in Springfield, which is sad because 70% of the ward lives there, and we can't have dinner appointments there unless it is with a family where there is no priesthood holder. But the other 30% step up to the plate admirably. They stuff us full. one day, a family fed us lunch (with Ice cream and raspberries for dessert) and then we had a dinner appointment (with ice cream and cookies afterward) And then Jonas calls us up and we meet at an Ice cream place to answer his questions, which inevitably leads to him buying us ice cream. You think I am exaggerating, but I'm not. And these people give you LOTS of Ice cream! And it's GOOD! You think Utah Ice cream is good, try Friendly's ice cream. It is the BEST!!! So yeah....things here are good.

I love you all and I am so glad families can be together forever!

The church is true! the book is blue!

Sister Dixon

Announcing...

Isabelle Julie Dixon

Sarah's email 8/23/2010

Oh No!!!!

Sickness spreading everywhere! I'm so sorry! I hope Mom and everyone feels better soon! I will pray for it, therefore it will come to pass.

I'm so excited for new baby (Isabel is a great name!) I hope I get pictures! She'll probably be beautiful, girls with Dixon genes usually are.

It sounds like you've been getting your grand kid fix in! I'm glad. soon school will start and they'll be busy. We have been uber lucky in the choice selection of spirits God has sent to us.

So school! First of all... I hope the school year goes well for everyone. If anyone needs to know anything about New England autumns or Massachusetts grinders (which is actually a sub sandwich) or the Red Sox, I will be happy to oblige. I've learned a lot. As always, I will be a fountain of knowledge.

When did Lilli start a Beehive?!? What department is she in? Does she know Scottie? Is she standing up or sitting down? Does she live in West Jordan? Is she using my car? I need answers!

So last week I went out to the Quabbin. It's a huge water reservoir, and it's really pretty. I didn't have my camera with me, but I might go again, and I'll take lots of pictures.

Things here have been good, if a little slow. Yesterday I forgot to put on my name tag and I felt strange all day. It felt very wrong and I was antsy all day until we got home and I put it on. I was so sorry I had forgotten it, that I slept with it on last night.

I miss you all so much! I feel like I didn't know what I had until I left. I really have the best family in the world. Thank you for your prayers and your support.
I love you!

Sister Dixon

Sarah's email Week of August 16th

Dear Family,

I always have so much to say to you during the week and then I forget it all when I'm at the computer and the clock is ticking. Hmmmm... Here goes.

Thank you all again for your birthday wishes! I feel very properly 22. NGAH! I'm 22!!! old old old!

The mission is great! we have these girls we are teaching who are so sweet and loving. I think they are awesome! They love learning about the gospel. Loryn is 20 and Nicholle is 19. They were friends with Katheryn Demary, the daughter of the members we live with. We have high hopes for them.

The leaves here are already starting to change. I can already tell it is going to be epic. There are so many trees, we are going to be consumed with autumn. I'll take lots of pictures.

Something interesting about the homes here, almost every single house has two front doors. (or, a front door and a 'you should probably go to this one' door.) You can tell that people hardly ever use their front doors. There are about a hundred spiderwebs clinging to them. Speaking of spiders...THERE ARE ZILLIONS OF SPIDERS HERE!!!!!! They are all over the place! I think the Lord sent me here to help me get over my fear of spiders.

I am learning so much out here! I can feel myself growing all the time. When it feels hard, that's probably the equivalent of growing pains. The Lord has helped me so much in everything! I have a great companion and everyone I meet is so kind and loving to me.

Yesterday, we helped with the baptism of a members eight year old son. It was really nice to see a baptism.

Anyway, it also rains a lot I looked out my window this morning and saw the scene from Bambi where they sing the rain song. You know... "Drip drip drop little April showers..." I've been stuck to it all day. My companion has hated me.

We tract a lot out here. The houses are far away. Usually people tell us to go away because they are 'all set' occasionally, people will tell us stories about how they don't believe in one religion. Several paths up the mountain, or something like that.

If I could ask a favor to all of you...

we are having trouble finding people to teach. I'd like to ask for ideas. I think having your insight on it would really help. And if you could pray that we find people to teach. I would appreciate it so much! Thank you for all you do, all of you! I love you and miss you so much!!!

-Sistah Sarah Dixon

Girl Party

This week was the girl party for the 3 oldest granddaughters. We had a ton of fun.

We took silly pictures!

Regular, nice pictures!

And very sneaky pictures!

I know the older family members think that the younger children get lots of perks and are a bit spoiled. But they also have to put up with a lot. Things like being sabotaged by girls while your sleeping. And then all that giggling. Maybe it is nice to be older with not so many perks!

Adam was a pretty good sport about it. Maybe he needs a pillow penny?

Sarah's email Week of August 9th

Hi all!

Thank you,thank you,thank you, for the package you sent me! When I opened it, I grinned at the pop tarts, I cried when I saw the chocolate rocks, and when I pulled out the beef jerky, I fell to my knees and thanked the Lord. I think I blacked out after that, because next thing I know, my comp is trying to un-strangulate me from a personalized fairy pillowcase. It made my whole month!

Sister Demary, the member we live with, baked me a cake for my birthday. She even had me blow out candles. the Demarys take good care of me. She even made me a birthday dinner. And when I got home, last night, I saw a sign that said "happy birthday Sister Dixon!"

It is so pretty here! There is so much life. My desk faces the window, and I see chipmunks and birds everywhere. There are fireflies too, although we are usually in by the time they come out. And then, just yesterday, I noticed a tiny spider trying to built a web right next to my shoe. I marveled at how much effort it put into it. I wondered at it's dedication. And then I squashed it.

Don't judge me.

I don't really have much to say. This week has had ups and downs. It's hard to believe I've already been on my mission a month. It has seemed much longer at times and much shorter at others.

Dad, I actually did see some mules the other day! They were corralled like horses. I think it's a sign. I don't know of what quite yet.

I hope everything is going well for you all! I feel bad that this letter is so short. This week, I will write down interesting topics to talk about when I think of them. :D

I love you and miss you! Thank you for your prayers, I can see the Lord answering them. This is the true church!

Sister Dixon

PS. I'm quite frightening in that picture. It was the humidity. I see if I can send you some pictures.

Summer Fun Recital 2010

Announcing this summer's fun recital! You are all invited to come, but no pressure if you can't make it (unless you are supposed to be performing). It will be on Tuesday August 17th at 6:30 pm at the Clearfield Library. Let us know if there are any questions.

President and Sister William Evans sent this picture of Sarah and a very nice letter to prove she got off the plane at the right spot. Sarah says the people are really nice so far.

She is in Granby, about thirty miles from Worcester/Holden. Grandma Dixon grew up in Holden, and we have cousins there. Uncle Paul and Hazel's daughter (Martha?) lives closest to Sarah (according to Grandpa); about twenty miles away.

July 4th Parade!!

I meant to post these ages ago! Mary took these pictures and I think they look great. Here they are!

The kids are ready for candy!
Katie and Robert win Medals of Awesomeness
TANKS
Anna watches out for Tommy
Mini horses
It's the float I helped make! Fancy schmancy.

This is me. My hand is over my mouth so I don't throw up. I always wondered how I'd look as a brunette!

Tommy can haz candys
Missionaries in a go-cart
And a tractor!
Another tractor!
Another tractor! I love West Point.
Anna and Mary, bff :)

Sarah's August 2nd email

Dear Family,

Here is Sarah's latest letter. She sends us her new address. Just of note, her birthday is August 8th (Sunday). If you have a minute send her a Happy Birthday.

Love you all,
Mom

Hi all!

So here I am! The flight over was shorter than I though it would be. It was so hot and humid when I arrived, I had trouble getting used to it, however things have cooled down since and I am wearing thermal socks right now. Apparently, you can get all four seasons any time of the year.

I am currently in Ludlow, which is in Western Mass. There are only a few locations where Sisters can go, and I am in the furthest one from Boston. All the other ones are around Boston. First thing I was told when I arrived is that I'll have to learn Spanish. Then my comp told me I probably wouldn't. We'll see. I'd like to learn Spanish though, it would be wicked. (The good kind. That's what they are saying here. Everyone says it. And now me too:)

Everyone here is really nice. AND IT IS GORGEOUS!!!!! Here in Ludlow there are so many trees!!! At night it gets a little creepy, but it is way pretty. Our back yard looks like the sacred grove, no kidding.

We live in a members basement. The Demary's are really nice people, and their daughter just got married in the Boston Temple yesterday to a Idaho kid. They look so happy. The only thing odd about living with members is that we have to share a kitchen. It can get a little awkward watching Brother Demary eat his cornflakes, but Sister Demary is so loving and fun, I can't help but love her.

All the members here are just so welcoming. They all tell me they will take care of us.

My companion is Sister Jenkins, who everyone tells me is the best trainer. I believe it. she's so kind and patient, I got pretty lucky. I'm learning all sorts of things from her. She is from South Jordan!

We are currently teaching a couple of girls who are way sweet and fun. Their names are Lauryn and Nicholle. They need a little push to baptism, but they are really close. There is also George who is having trouble giving up smoking, and Stephanie and Kate who I haven't met yet.

I am so excited to be here!!! I miss you all. I know this is where the Lord wants me to be! Thank you for your prayers, I can feel the Lord helping me in everything I do.

I love you!

Sister Dixon

PS, The address I gave you is the Mission home. The Demary's address is

130 Carver st.

Granby MA, 01033

Any mail sent to the mission home address will be forwarded on to me. Can't wait to get mail!!!

PPS, Mom, you asked me for suggestions, well, I want a pony. We only get so many miles on our car, and having extra transportation would be really great. Thanks.

PPPS, I also want pictures from home. I feel bad I didn't bring any. I want pictures of everyone.

PPPPS, It was really nice to see you at the airport.

PPPPPS, I was just kidding about the pony :D